The repair shop in Sterling just called me. They told me they’ve already talked to my insurance company in Scottsbluff, which approved the repair (that was kind of them).
They also told me they already have the Smart stripped down and ready to install the new parts when they get them. They ordered all the parts from the same dealer we bought the car from and have all our maintenance done. (I still don’t understand why the dealership punted on the repair in the first place, but that means the Mercedes dealer isn’t getting the labour charge, the shop in Sterling is.)
Apparently the car will only be laid up for a week or so.